By Peter Egwuatu
The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), in partnership with Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), has unveiled plans to host the 2026 edition of its Annual International Conference on Finance, Securities, and Investment from May 21 to May 22, 2026, at Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The hybrid conference, designed to host both physical and virtual participants, will bring together top capital market regulators, operators, policymakers, and academics from across Africa and beyond. The collaboration with Afe Babalola University underscores a shared commitment to advancing research, policy dialogue, and capacity building within the financial services sector.
With the theme “Capital Markets, Sustainable Finance and Economic Transformation in Africa,” the conference will explore how robust, transparent, and innovative capital markets can drive inclusive growth and long-term economic transformation across the continent.
A Statement from the Institute indicates that the central objective of the conference is to promote sustained dialogue on strengthening African capital markets as engines of economic growth and development. Stakeholders will examine practical pathways to improve market efficiency, liquidity, and resilience in a rapidly evolving global financial landscape.
*The conference will also focus on the growing importance of sustainable and green finance, particularly in addressing climate-related risks and funding development priorities in emerging economies. Discussions are expected to highlight how financial systems can better align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Another key goal is to encourage innovation and digital transformation within capital markets. Participants will explore how technology-driven solutions such as fintech, blockchain, and digital assets can enhance transparency, accessibility, and operational efficiency.
“Enhancing regulatory frameworks, governance standards, and ethical practices will also be a major focus. The conference aims to foster stronger compliance cultures and reinforce investor confidence through improved oversight and accountability mechanisms. In addition, the event seeks to support strategies for deepening financial inclusion and broadening investor participation, particularly among underserved populations. By expanding access to capital market instruments, stakeholders aim to unlock new opportunities for wealth creation and economic empowerment. “, according to the Statement.
Deliberations will focus on key areas including Capital Market Innovation and Digital Transformation; Ethical, Sustainable and Green Finance in Emerging Economies; Market Governance, Ethics and Regulation; Financial Inclusion and Capital Market Deepening; Investment Instruments; and other related topics.
Market analysts have welcomed the conference as timely and strategically important for Africa’s economic trajectory. An Analyst noted that the collaboration between CIS and Afe Babalola University “reflects a strong alignment between industry and academia, which is essential for developing practical, research-backed solutions to market challenges.”
Participants will benefit from expert-led sessions, panel discussions, and research presentations, offering practical insights into emerging trends, policy directions, and investment opportunities within Africa’s financial markets. Organisers note that the hybrid format is intended to expand access and participation, enabling a wider audience of stakeholders, including international partners to engage in critical conversations shaping the future of finance in Africa.